Cyprus-Greece Ferry Faces Record Demand

Strong Demand for Ferry Route Between Limassol and Piraeus

The passenger and vehicle ferry route between Limassol, Cyprus, and Piraeus, Greece, continues to experience high demand. Nearly all scheduled sailings for 2025 have been fully booked, with only a few remaining seats available on select departures. This trend highlights the growing popularity of the service, which has become a key travel option for those looking for an alternative to air travel.

According to recent data, a total of 7,719 passengers have already reserved seats for the 2025 season. Of these, 3,781 bookings were made for the Limassol-Piraeus route, while 3,938 were for the reverse direction. Interestingly, demand has been particularly strong for travel from Greece to Cyprus, surpassing the number of bookings in the opposite direction.

The ferry operated by Scandro Holding Ltd, named Daleela, has reached almost complete occupancy across its 22 planned sailings for 2025. The vessel can carry up to 370 passengers and over 300 vehicles, offering a 31-hour voyage between the two ports. Onboard amenities include a restaurant, cafe, medical center, and a casino, providing a comfortable and enjoyable maritime travel experience.

Vehicle transport has also seen consistent interest. From Limassol to Piraeus, 1,225 vehicles have been or will be transported this year, while the number increases slightly to 1,268 for the route in the opposite direction. Additionally, motorcycle transport is gaining popularity, especially among organized groups. This year, 292 motorcycles will travel from Cyprus to Greece, and 289 in the reverse direction.

Bicycles are being transported free of charge in 2025, a gesture that has been welcomed by travelers. The ferry is also a viable option for pet owners, with 366 passengers choosing to bring their pets aboard this year.

Passenger Traffic and Growth Trends

Passenger traffic has shown a steady upward trend since the service’s relaunch in 2022 after a 21-year hiatus. In 2024 alone, the Daleela carried 7,763 passengers and 2,895 vehicles. From its restart in 2022 until now, a total of 22,582 passengers and 7,641 vehicles have been transported via this maritime connection.

Most customers are repeat clients who choose the Daleela annually. The route, which is subsidized as a Service of General Economic Interest (SGEI), receives an annual state subsidy of €5.5 million. This financial support was secured for an additional three years (2025, 2026, and 2027) following a Cabinet decision in August 2024.

Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis highlighted that the Council of Ministers approved the extension of the contract with the operator, Scandro Holding Ltd, under the same terms for another three years. She emphasized that the funding ensures continuity and reflects the government’s commitment to offering affordable and reliable alternatives to air travel.

Future Prospects and Expansion Plans

While two more years of state funding remain under the current agreement, 2025 is expected to be a critical year for the future of the project. Decisions will need to be made not only regarding its continuation but also on the feasibility of expanding the maritime network to additional destinations.

Officials have previously suggested the potential inclusion of new ports such as Israel, although they acknowledge this depends heavily on regional geopolitical developments. The coming year is expected to shape the long-term trajectory of the service, which has so far proven its value both in terms of uptake and public satisfaction.